Ibrahimi Eyes New UN Envoy Role in Syria, Drops AL

Local Editor

International envoy to Syria al-Akhhdar Ibahimi hoped to revamp his role as an international peace mediator in the Syrian conflict as a United Nations envoy without any official link to the Arab bloc, UN diplomats said on Tuesday.
This comes as Ibrahimi become increasingly frustrated with the league's moves to recognize the Syrian opposition, which he feels undermined his role as a neutral mediator, diplomats told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

"The joint special representative feels that the Arab League approach makes it difficult for him to carry out his mandate," a diplomat said, adding that "he feels that it would be best to be associated only with the United Nations at this point to ensure his neutrality."

Another UN diplomat confirmed the remarks. There have been rumors circulating for weeks that Ibrahimi might resign, though diplomats said his preference was to remain involved in Syrian peace efforts through the United Nations, an organization he has worked with for decades.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimi will present an update to the UN Security Council on Friday about the situation in Syria's war.
"We expect Ibrahimi to offer another bleak report," a diplomat said.

The Arab League has suspended Syria's membership and last month invited opposition leaders Moaz Alkhatib and Ghassan Hitto to attend a summit in his place.

Diplomats said Ibrahimi has grown extremely frustrated at the inability of the Security Council to unite behind his calls for an end to the violence and a peaceful political transition. His predecessor, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, voiced similar frustration when he resigned last August.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org